Intramural Basketball The SHO, 552nd MXS claim regular season honors Published Feb. 20, 2009 By John E. Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Tinker's version of March Madness is upon us once again. A total of 160 games were played. It all resulted in the crowning of the small squadron champion, The SHO; and the large squadron champion, 552nd Maintenance Squadron. "This year was more difficult. The talent level has increased and each of our opponents were gunning for us," said Patrick Steelman, head coach for The SHO. The 552nd MXS went through the regular season with an unblemished record. Their 10-0 campaign was the first undefeated large squadron season in the past five years. "MXS is a very talented bunch," said Pat Griffin, Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center sports director. "They like to run up and down the floor at a fast pace and that gives opponents fits." Both teams are seeded No. 1 in their respective brackets in the upcoming tournament. The two squared off in last year's base championship, with The SHO claiming the 56-48 victory. The 552nd MXS has a talented duo of forwards Kirk Sheppard and Charles McCray, while The SHO has arguably the best starting five in the tournament. However, both will have to eliminate seven other teams in each bracket to get back to the title game. The SHO will face a stiff challenge from No. 2 seed, Flight Controllers, and No. 3 seed, Strategic Communications Wing ONE, in the small squadron bracket. In the large squadron bracket, the 552nd MXS will face tough competition from the No. 2 seeded 552nd Air Control Network Squadron. In an early season matchup, the 552nd MXS narrowly defeated 552nd ACNS, 59-51. "Our team is deep and talented," said McCray of the 552nd MXS, however we have to be at our best if we want to get back to the title game." The small and large squadron playoffs will be a double-elimination format. In years past, this type of format brought out the best in the players and the overall basketball competition. "The basketball playoffs are the highlight of our season," Griffin said." We are looking forward to seeing who will be crowned small squadron, large squadron and overall base champions for 2008-09. For information on the schedule of games, contact the fitness and sports representatives at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center at 734-3651.